Calvin Klein’s new ad for their Spring/Summer 2024 collection took social media by storm upon its release on February 14. The seven-second ad, set to the tune of Iggy Pop’s 1977 single “The Passenger,” features BTS’s Jungkook moving and grooving through Grand Central Station. Normally one of the busiest places in New York City, the station was empty on the day of filming. Calvin Klein reportedly paid approximately 10 million USD to close down the station just so Jungkook could film in peace.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) acquired Grand Central Station for 33 million USD in May 2020. Anyone wishing to film on the premises must obtain permission from the MTA. The process involves completing an application. Only then will the MTA and Metro-North Railroad grant permission for the space to become a filming set. Sources indicate that the cost of shutting down the station for filming could range from 5 million to 10 million USD. This is due to the expenses per hour and additional costs like permits, estimated at around 500,000 USD.
Jungkook was spotted filming something at Grand Central Station in New York
News of Calvin Klein‘s actions sparked significant buzz on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many admired the brand’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence, which spurred them to invest a substantial amount of money to ensure Jungkook‘s ad would turn out great.
Learn more about Grand Central Station in the video below.
Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour
Calvin Klein sees it as a worthwhile investment
The ad itself features Jungkook looking stylish in an oversized black half-sleeved shirt and black jeans, with the shirt unbuttoned to reveal his chiseled torso. A silver chain complemented his outfit. The ad ends with Jungkook beside a piano in the middle of Grand Central Station, with the location’s iconic clock in the background.
Jungkook‘s participation in this high-profile ad campaign comes just after his enlistment in the Republic of Korea Army on December 12, 2023, where he has been assigned to the 5th Infantry Division. He’s expected to return to the entertainment industry in June 2025, alongside fellow BTS member Jimin. Jimin enlisted with Jungkook on December 12, 2023. They signed up for the South Korean military’s “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system, allowing them to train and live together for the duration of their service.
The fact that Calvin Klein was willing to spend so much money on Jungkook‘s campaign indicates they see it as a worthwhile investment. After all, despite his absence from the entertainment scene due to military service, Jungkook remains overwhelmingly popular. The brand will surely recoup their investment thanks to his star power. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Calvin Klein’s investment paid off handsomely, don’t you think? Source: Instagram/@calvinklein.